I am recently back from an international gathering of AOPAs from 70 countries. We met in South Africa to discuss the issues that affect flying the world over. Although rules and regulations vary from country to country, we pilots have a great deal in common no matter where we fly. And one of the things we have in common is our concern over the future of general aviation—and the pilots who represent that future.
That’s why one of the big issues we discussed at the meeting of the International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations was how to make it easier for students to complete their training so they can live their aviation dreams—whether that involves a flying career, weekend pleasure trips, or business transportation.
We hope that some of what we are doing here at AOPA in the United States can serve as a model for other aviation organizations, both domestically and abroad.
Not too long ago I wrote in these pages about a new program designed to encourage and recognize training programs that are providing positive learning environments for students and effectively working to create an optimal flight training experience. We call the program the AOPA Flight Training Excellence Awards, and I’m pleased to say that many people have already nominated flight schools, programs, and instructors they believe are providing top-quality education in a way that works for students. If you’re happy with your training experience, I hope you’ll take a few minutes to nominate your school. The awards will be presented this October at AOPA Aviation Summit in Palm Springs, California.
Another way we’re trying to help is by expanding our scholarship program. In April we awarded three training scholarships, worth $5,000 each, to help deserving flight students. We will award another round of scholarships at Summit.
We’ve also recently launched the new MyFlightTraining website where you can track your progress, get customized information and tools for your stage of training, and even earn incentives like first-flight T-shirts and logbooks as you achieve key stages in your primary flight training. If you’re a student and you haven’t yet tried this free tool, sign up.
We know how important it is to manage costs when you’re learning to fly. When we heard that Showalter Flying Service at Orlando Executive Airport was waiving fees for student pilots on training flights, we thought it was a great idea. Owner Bob Showalter not only waived the fees at his FBO, he also contacted FBOs around the state of Florida to encourage them to do the same. Now AOPA and NATA are joining forces to ask FBOs nationwide to follow this example and help keep costs under control for students.
We’re also in the process of creating a new department at AOPA—the Center to Advance the Pilot Community. This new group is being developed to make sure that our efforts to grow and support the GA community receive the long-term support and focus they need to succeed.
I’ll share more about this new department and our other plans to support to students as they develop. In the meantime I hope you’ll participate in making learning to fly a better experience by nominating someone for the Flight Training Excellence Awards, logging on to MyFT.org to take advantage of the tools available there, and sharing your ideas about how AOPA can support student pilots.
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